Proper 18 • James 2:1–10, 14–18
For faith alone can justify; Works serve our neighbor and supply The proof that faith is living
Proper 18 • Ezekiel 33:7–9 • September 7, 2014
In the chapter that follows our text for today Ezekiel points us to the Messiah as the true Shepherd who will deliver and feed his flock, in Jesus we know that that has happened and continues to happen yet today
Proper 18 · Romans 13:1–10 · September 10, 2017
Editor’s note: the following homiletical help is taken from David Schmitt’s sermon series “God’s Greater Story: A Sermon Series on Romans 6–14,” which is available for download here. By David Schmitt At the time Paul wrote this letter, Nero publicized his rule as the dawn of a golden age. Yet, privately, there were rumors that his ..
Proper 18 • Luke 14:25–35 • September 4, 2016
By Jason Broge It is perhaps impossible to read this text and not be struck by the use of the word hate. Some commentators suggest this is a Hebraism, and should be interpreted as implying preference. The Greek word μισέω, however, is best translated as hate or its synonym and not merely as a lesser form ..
Lectionary@Lunch Live – Mark 7:24-37
In a special excerpt from his online D.Min. course on Mark, Prof. Jim Voelz discusses the Gospel pericope for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 18), in the context of the Year B lectionary
Proper 18 • James 2:1–10, 14–18 • September 6, 2015
Editor’s note: The following homiletical help is adapted from Concordia Journal, July 2006. By Joel P. Fritsche In chapter two of his epistle James warns these Christians about the danger of “head faith.” He doesn’t specifically label it as head faith, but that seems to be what he is referring to. Note what James says ..
Proper 18 • Ezekiel 33:7–9 • September 7, 2014
By David Wollenburg I actually cringe every time I encounter this text. It isn’t that I don’t like it, or don’t understand what is being said. It is, rather, that the message is too clear. It is God’s warning, repeated time and again, that we ignore his word to our own peril. And it isn’t just for us preachers; ..
Proper 18 • Philemon 1–21 • September 8, 2013
By Michael J. Redeker To be sure, Paul’s letter to Philemon is about reconciliation between two people. However, if that were all that this letter was about, then Paul’s advice would be no different from what can be found in the secular world. Reconciliation is more than simply exchanging greetings afterwards, keeping up appearances for ..
Deuteronomy 30:15-20_1
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 is appointed for Epiphany 6, Series A, and Proper 18, Series C. To love God is to choose life, good, and blessing. To do otherwise is to choose death, evil, and curse
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Ezekiel 33:7-9 is appointed for Proper 18, Series A. If those appointed to watch over God’s people fail to give the warning of judgment, then they too will be judged
Proper 18 • Isaiah 35:4–7a • September 9, 2012
By Dale A. Meyer Is this a great time to be the church? Do you have joy in your pastoral ministry? Do the baptized in your congregation show cheerful confidence in their Christian faith? Isaiah 35:4–7a, the first lesson for September 9, gives us a platform to be “helpers of joy” (2 Cor 1:24). You ..
Proper 18 • Matthew 18:1–20 • September 4, 2011
By James L. Brauer Caring for the Kingdom’s Greatest Is this reading to be handled as a single insight into the kingdom or is one section of it going to be the subject of a sermon? Each section can be seen as a distinct topic: the greatest in the kingdom, when temptations come, the lost sheep, ..
Deuteronomy 30:15-20_1b
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 is appointed for Epiphany 6, Series A, and Proper 18, Series C. True faith loves God, hears His Word, and desires and seeks to obey and follow it. Faith bears fruit
Deuteronomy 30:15-20_1a
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 is appointed for Epiphany 6, Series A, and Proper 18, Series C. Life comes with the Land, where God dwells. The Land points ahead to Christ, the Church, and Heaven
Proper 18 • Deuteronomy 30:15–20 • September 5, 2010
by Andy Bartelt Literary Context Moses is coming to the conclusion of a long “sermon” of encouragement to God’s people on the plains of Moab, of which chapters 5–28 is the major piece. It is also his “farewell discourse” of sorts as he prepares the people to enter the promised land without him, giving them ..
Proper 18 · Mark 7: (24-30) 31-37 · September 6, 2009
By Andrew Bartelt Literary Context 1. The pericope continues Mark 7. The near goal of the narrative is Mark 8, skipped in this Markan section of the lectionary, but thematically where the story is headed. So who is this Jesus? Is he the Christ/Messiah? Thus these stories are secondarily about faith and primarily about Jesus. So ..